Katy Perry is a pop music star known for her chart-topping hits and vibrant fashion and performances. With songs like California Girls and Dark Horse, she has sold millions of albums and gained a massive global following.
While her public life is well-documented, there is much to her story and personality that is less known. From the unexpected journey of her career to her personal beliefs and incredible feats, Perry's life is as colorful as her music. Here are six fascinating facts about Katy Perry that reveal a deeper side of the iconic singer.
Interesting facts to get to know Katy Perry better
1) She designed her own Barbie doll
In 2011, Katy Perry teamed up with Mattel to create a Barbie doll inspired by her colorful, quirky style. The doll wore a replica of her cupcake dress from the California Dreams tour, made of candy-colored fabric with faux cupcakes. The limited-edition Barbie was auctioned for charity, raising $15,000 for Project Angel Food, a Los Angeles-based group that provides meals to those with serious illnesses.
2) She has a belief about aliens' existence
Katy Perry has openly expressed her belief in extraterrestrial life, a topic she finds fascinating and thought-provoking. In a 2014 interview with GQ magazine, Perry mentioned, "I believe in a lot of astrology. I believe in aliens." She once joked about wanting to talk to former President Barack Obama about aliens, saying she’d love to know the truth about UFOs and extraterrestrial activity.
Perry has infused elements of space into her music and performances. Her song E.T., which featured Kanye West, dealt with the issues of love and alien encounters.
3) She holds 4 Guinness World records
Katy Perry’s massive global influence is reflected in the Guinness World Records she has earned throughout her career. In 2010, she achieved the "Best Start on the US Digital Chart by a Female Artist" for her digital sales success. In 2013, she became the "First Female with Five Number One US Singles from One Album" with hits from Teenage Dream.
Two years after that, in 2015, Perry created history by being the "Most Followed Person on Twitter." She became the first to break the record for 100 million followers. In 2016, she broke yet another record as the "Most Viewed Halftime Performance" with an iconic Super Bowl XLIX show where she drew in more than 118 million viewers.
4) She released a Christian music album
Before she became Katy Perry, the pop sensation was known as Katy Hudson. Katy was raised in a devout Christian home where she was singing gospel music and honing her vocal skills in church. In 2001, Katy released a self-titled Christian music album featuring themes of faith and devotion and highlighted her early talent as a vocalist.
Though it did not prove to be commercially successful, the record was the stepping stone into her career. Perry eventually graduated to mainstream pop music, but her roots in gospel and Christian music were always at the heart of her musical underpinnings.
5) She pursued singing because of rock band Queen
Katy Perry’s love for music was heavily influenced by the legendary rock band Queen. As a teenager, she discovered their song Killer Queen, which sparked her passion for singing and performing. Perry has often cited Freddie Mercury, Queen’s charismatic frontman, as one of her biggest inspirations.
In interviews, Perry has praised Mercury’s ability to connect with audiences and his fearless approach to self-expression. His theatrical style and powerful vocals encouraged Perry to explore her own artistic identity. This admiration came full circle in 2013 when she released her third fragrance, "Killer Queen," as an homage to the band.
6) She has a GED
Katy Perry didn’t follow a conventional path to success. She dropped out of high school at 15 to pursue singing, eventually obtaining her GED when she was older and focused on her goals. This decision shows how dedicated she was to her craft, even as a teenager.
Moreover, Perry's early life was not easy. She faced financial difficulties and setbacks in her music career. However, she was able to pay off these challenges through perseverance and risk-taking. Earning her GED was a balance between chasing her ambitions and prioritizing her education. This aspect of her journey shows the resilience and hard work that has been central to her success.
Katy Perry’s career is filled with remarkable milestones that highlight her creativity and ambition. From designing her own Barbie doll to earning multiple Guinness World Records, her achievements extend beyond music. Her beginnings in Christian music, love for Queen, belief in aliens, and the decision to leave school to follow her dreams showcase her determination and individuality.